Chapter 10: A Promise for Redemption

Jeremy kept his promise.

After leaving the villa, he didn't force his way back into Madeline's life.

He didn't send flowers.

He didn't make dramatic speeches.

He simply waited.

For the first time in his life, he understood that love couldn't be demanded.

It had to be earned.

Weeks passed.

Jeremy secretly asked his assistant to investigate every hardship Madeline had endured during the last five years.

The report arrived one rainy afternoon.

He opened the file slowly.

Each page felt heavier than the last.

Madeline had lived alone in a foreign country.

She had worked three different jobs while pregnant.

She had built Crawford Design from a tiny rented studio.

She had attended business meetings with Ethan sleeping beside her.

There had been nights when she skipped dinner just so her son could eat better food.

Jeremy gripped the report tightly.

His vision blurred.

"She went through all this... because of me."

His assistant lowered his head.

"She never accepted financial help from anyone."

"Even when investors offered, she refused if there were conditions attached."

Jeremy slowly closed the file.

"She's stronger than I ever realized."

"Yes, sir."

That weekend, Ethan's kindergarten organized a family sports festival.

Parents were invited to participate with their children.

Madeline arrived early, holding Ethan's hand.

"Mom!"

"We're going to win today!"

She laughed.

"Of course we are."

Just as the activities were about to begin, another familiar figure appeared.

Jeremy.

Madeline frowned.

"What are you doing here?"

"The school invited parents."

"I'm not here to cause trouble."

"You shouldn't have come."

"Maybe not."

"But I wanted to see him."

Before Madeline could reply, Ethan noticed Jeremy.

"Mister!"

He happily ran over.

"You came!"

Jeremy smiled warmly.

"I did."

"Do you want to fly kites with us?"

Jeremy looked toward Madeline.

She remained silent.

"Only if your mom agrees."

Ethan looked at Madeline with pleading eyes.

"Please?"

Madeline sighed softly.

"Just this once."

The three of them walked toward the playground together.

From a distance...

They looked like an ordinary family.

Jeremy held the kite string while Ethan laughed loudly as it rose into the blue sky.

"Higher!"

"Make it go higher!"

Jeremy laughed.

"Alright, captain!"

Madeline watched quietly.

For just a brief moment...

She imagined what life might have looked like if Jeremy had trusted her from the beginning.

The thought disappeared as quickly as it came.

After the event ended, Ethan hugged Jeremy.

"Thanks, mister!"

"You're really fun."

Jeremy gently patted his head.

"I had fun too."

"Can you come again next time?"

Jeremy looked toward Madeline.

"Only if your mom allows it."

Ethan smiled.

"I'll ask her every day!"

Later that evening, Madeline stood alone on the balcony.

Jeremy approached quietly.

"Thank you," he said.

"For today."

"Don't misunderstand."

"I allowed it because of Ethan."

"I know."

"He's happy when you're around."

"But happiness isn't enough."

"Trust matters too."

Jeremy nodded.

"I'll earn that as well."

"It won't be easy."

"It shouldn't be."

Madeline looked at him for a long moment.

This was no longer the arrogant man she had once married.

Regret had changed him.

Pain had humbled him.

But whether that change was enough...

She still didn't know.

Several days later, Meredith unexpectedly returned to Glendale.

She learned that Madeline was back.

She also discovered that Jeremy had been spending time with Ethan.

"Impossible," she whispered.

"Jeremy belongs to me."

Consumed by jealousy, Meredith secretly met with a private investigator.

"I want everything about Madeline Crawford."

"Especially the child."

"Yes, Miss Crawford."

She smiled coldly.

"If I can't have Jeremy..."

"Neither can she."

The next morning, Madeline received an anonymous envelope.

Inside was a single photograph.

It showed Meredith meeting with several unknown men.

Written beneath the picture were only six words.

"She hasn't given up yet."

Madeline's expression became serious.

She immediately realized what it meant.

Meredith was preparing another move.

This time...

She wouldn't wait quietly.

She had protected herself once.

Now...

She had Ethan to protect as well.

Looking out the window, Madeline gently whispered,

"If you come after my son..."

"I won't show you mercy again."

Far across the city, Jeremy looked at the family photograph Ethan had secretly drawn during the school festival.

In the picture were three smiling figures holding hands.

Above them, written in a child's uneven handwriting, were the words:

"Mom, Me, and Mister."

Jeremy smiled through tears.

"One day..."

"I hope you'll call me Dad."

But neither Jeremy nor Madeline knew...

That Meredith's return was about to ignite the greatest storm their family had ever faced.